First impressions are usually very important, so the first people that you see when you come to HP Pavilion are important people who guide you to the proper destination, provide you with the right information, and cheerfully help you each time they see you.

HP Pavilion has had a number of people man the front door, and over the past several years, two individuals have been the first people that you see when you arrive at the building. Given its hockey status, I always found it delightfully appropriate to note that one of the gentlemen’s names is Doug, and the other is Harvey.

For those who don’t make the connection, Doug Harvey was one of the greatest defensemen to play the game. He spent 13 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, three with the New York Rangers, one with Detroit, and two more with St. Louis. He won 6 Stanley Cups, all with Montreal, including 5 straight between 1955 and 1960.

Back here in San Jose, we particularly have enjoyed having Doug and Harvey greet us each day at HP Pavilion, and many of you have undoubtedly done so as well. But sadly, that HP Pavilion tradition will not continue completely, as we heard the sad news that Harvey died on March 31 at the age of 79.

HP Pavilion’s Harvey was Harvey Allen Collins, and he was a resident of Los Gatos for 40 years. He served our country during the Korean conflict and in the Army reserves and attained the rank of captain. He had a great family and a wonderful life in Silicon Valley over the last 40 years or so, and he was one of the people who made our lives a little more cheerful at HP Pavilion.

As the Sharks begin their quest for the Stanley Cup, we will continue to be happy when Doug greets us at HP Pavilion, but let us also take a moment and remember Harvey. Our condolences go to his wife Barbara and their family.